Investigation on vibration characteristics and damping performance of low-dynamic interaction rail

To mitigate vibrations induced by dynamic wheel-rail interaction, this study proposes a Low-Dynamic Interaction Rail (LDIR). It is a new way for vibration reduction measures in track systems. Finite element models of the LDIR and the standard 60 kg/m rail were established, and a vehicle-track coupled dynamic model was subsequently developed. The vibration characteristics and damping performance of the LDIR were investigated by comparing with the standard rail. Results indicate that the natural frequencies of the low-order modes of the LDIR are mostly similar to those of the standard 60 kg/m rail. Under the same impact force, the peak vibration values at the measuring points of the elastic clip arch, ballast bed, and ground of the LDIR are reduced by 49.67%, 67.89%, and 54.54%, respectively. When the elastic modulus of the elastic-damping layer is in the range of 3000–8000 MPa, the comprehensive vibration reduction effect of the LDIR reaches its optimum. Dynamic calculation results show that the vertical vibration accelerations of the LDIR’s rail head, rail web, rail base, and track slab are all significantly lower. Although the vertical displacement of the LDIR’s rail head slightly increases, it exhibits a smaller derailment coefficient and better operation stability.